S&E is a non-competitive festival where music students can sing or play band/orchestra instruments as a solo or with a group of 2 or more students in front of a judge who provides valuable feedback for improving and developing skills. Students do not compete with one another for a “place” (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc) but against a standard of musical excellence for a rating. YAC S&E is open to home schooled students in 6th-12th grades (6th-8th grades for a Clinic-only experience, and 9th-12th grades for Clinic or Honors tracks). There is also a separate Elementary S&E clinic-only experience.

Clinic track—On this track, students perform only a prepared piece for a judge. The judge gives feedback for improvement on technique and performance skills. Students receive a rating based on a standard of musical excellence. On this track, students are eligible for consideration for the YAC Honors Recital and the HSMA Honors Recital.

Honors track—On this track, students perform a prepared piece and skill-appropriate sight reading. Instrumentalists also play memorized scales. The judge gives feedback for improvement on technique and performance skills. Students receive a rating based on a standard of musical excellence. This track is for students in grades 9 and up, and can make them eligible for consideration for the YAC Honors Recital, the YAC Concerto Competition, and the YAC Honors Band/Choir/Orchestra.

Why participate in S&E?

S&E is designed to help students improve their musical skills and develop confidence and independence that will translate to better performance in both large and small ensemble settings. In addition to gaining valuable feedback and performance experience, students also make connections with one another and learn as they watch each other perform.

How can I prepare for S&E?

Practice, practice, practice, and start early! HSMA students who participate in S&E are also required to attend a preparation session. This is a time when students play their selected piece(s) for an HSMA-approved conductor, and the conductor makes suggestions to prepare the student to be critiqued by a judge who is musical expert. Practicing early and attending S&E prep are valuable steps a student can take to get the most out of the S&E experience.

What about younger students?

HSMA also offers S&E for students from the beginning level through 5th grade. Elementary S&E is a clinic-only experience, students will not be asked to perform sight reading or scales, and piano accompaniment is not required. Students who participate in Elementary S&E will be invited to Mr. Case's pizza party!

HSMA Honors Recital

In order to be considered for participation in the HSMA Honors Recital, students must meet the following minimum requirements:

Achieve a rating of one (I) in the Clinic or Honors Track at the YAC S&E Festival (all ensembles are Clinic Track)

Meet all practice minutes for the year

Once these requirements are met, Mr. Case will determine which events will be invited to perform in the 15 slots for the recital. Selected individuals and ensemble leaders will be contacted by Mr. Case shortly after the S&E Festival.

YAC Honors Recital

In order to be considered for participation in the YAC Honors Recital, students must meet the following minimum requirements:

Achieve a rating of one (I) in the Clinic or Honors Track at the YAC S&E Festival (all ensembles are Clinic Track)

Be in 6th grade or above

Once these requirements are met, the events under consideration will be further evaluated by Mr. Case and Mr. Beard, who will make the final decision to fill a predetermined number of slots for the recital. This recital will take place during the INCH conference in the spring.

YAC Honors Band/Choir/Orchestra and Concerto Competition

In order to be considered for participation in the YAC Honors Band, Choir, or Orchestra, or the YAC Concerto Competition, students must meet the following minimum requirements:

Achieve a rating of one (I) on a Proficiency or vocal event at the YAC S&E Festival

Be in 9th grade or above

Once these requirements are met, the events under consideration will be further evaluated by Mr. Case and Mr. Beard, who will make the final decision to fill a predetermined number of slots for the Honors Ensembles and Concerto Competition.

FAQ

Q: What is an “event”?

A: An event is a performance (ex. if a student plays one solo and participates in one ensemble, he will be playing two events).

Q: How many events can a student play?

A: A student can play one (1) solo per instrument with a maximum of four (4) events total (for example, one solo and 3 ensembles). Chamber ensembles do not count toward the limit of four. See individual teacher/conductor for recommendations.

Q: Who can participate in the YAC S&E?

A: Any home schooled student in grades 6-12 can participate, even if they are not members of HSMA. At this time, only HSMA members are allowed to participate in Elementary S&E.

Q: Can high school and middle school students play together in an ensemble?

A: Yes. Any students in grades 6-12 can play in an ensemble together.

Q: How do I sign up?

A: An email will be sent to all participating groups with a sign up sheet and instructions.

Q: Is there a cost for participation?

A: Yes. Each solo is $25, and ensembles are priced according to the size of the group. This information will be sent with or soon after the sign up sheet. You should also expect to pay your accompanist if one is required.

Q: When is the YAC S&E Festival?

A: Check the HSMA calendar!

Q: How to I know if I need an accompanist, and how do I find one?

A: For students in 6th grade and above: If piano accompaniment is written for the selected piece, you will need to provide an accompanist. If you do not know an accompanist, check with your private teacher, conductor, or other parents and students who have used accompanists before. Make sure you set up several practice sessions with your accompanist before the event, and be sure to consider extra payment if they are required to travel to the event. For elementary students in beginning levels-5th grade: no accompaniment is required.

Q: What should I bring to the prep session and the festival?

A: Instrumental students must bring the original aligned score (the purchased music) for their selected piece(s) with numbered measures for the judges, as well as a copy (also numbered) for the student to play from. Vocal students must bring two (2) original, numbered scores. If there is no original score available or if the original score is not aligned, see your conductor and allow plenty of time for one to be made, if necessary. All participants should dress in Sunday best attire or as instructed by their conductor.

A: The schedule will be finalized approximately two (2) weeks before Festival.

Q: Can I invite my family?

A: Yes! In fact, HSMA is famous for its “posse”, a supportive group of parents, alums, conductors, board members, and others who try to make it to as many performances as possible! You are encouraged to invite friends, family, private teachers, and anyone else who will be a source of support and encouragement.